Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner with wine served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Your first stop on your guided tour of Switzerland is the picturesque, watch-making town of Biel, also called Bienne, at the foot of the Jura Mountains. You’ll take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral. Stroll along the lake promenade before venturing to Montreux—situated on the shores of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, and famous for its annual jazz festival. Your escorted tour of Switzerland includes a visit to the stately capital of Berne. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, and see the Old Town’s clock tower with its painted figures, and ornate, flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside resort of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a wonderful farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.

Destinations & Sightseeing

Guided sightseeing, stop at the Bear Park and enjoy a panoramic view from the Rose Garden

LUCERNE

Dinner at a local restaurant; walking tour including the Lion’s Monument and the Chapel Bridge

LUGANO

Farewell dinner

Headsets throughout the tour.

Notes:

Hotels listed may occasionally be substituted with alternative hotels of equivalent standard.

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

Old City of Berne

Transportation:

Motorcoach. Free wi-fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

Full buffet breakfast daily; 3 three-course dinners with wine, including a welcome dinner in Zurich and a farewell dinner in Lugano

Itinerary

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Dinner

Day 2 ZURICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–MONTREUX

Walk through Zurich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce, before departing on your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the world’s most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by the French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to elegant Montreux, famous for its Jazz Festival.

Breakfast

Day 3 MONTREUX

This morning, a guided visit to the nearby CHILLON CASTLE is included. Beautifully located on the banks of Lake Geneva, the castle was used as a residence and toll station by the Counts of Savoy from the 12th to the 16th century. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Breakfast

Day 4 MONTREUX–BERNE–LUCERNE

Arrive in the stately capital of Berne. Your guided tour starts with a stop at the BEAR PARK, symbol for the name of the town, followed by a panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden. Walk through the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower, and marvel at the ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Leave the Berner Oberland and drive to picturesque Lucerne. This evening, enjoy dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5 LUCERNE

During your orientation walk, be captivated by Thorwaldsen’s impressive LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution. See the ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. An breathtaking optional excursion is available to one of Lucerne’s mountains.

Breakfast

Day 6 LUCERNE–LUGANO

A spectacular drive straight through the Swiss Alps brings you via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, and to the elegant lakeside resort of Lugano. Later, why not sign up for an optional cruise on Lake Lugano?

Breakfast

Day 7 LUGANO

A full day at leisure gives you the chance to explore more of the local area. Join an optional excursion to visit the UNESCO protected Castles of Bellinzona. Tonight, a farewell dinner will be served at your hotel to celebrate your Swiss Escape.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 8 LUGANO

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.)

Breakfast

Accommodations

Zurich

Montreux

Lucerne

Lugano

Optional Excursions

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Montreux

Chaplin's World

Discover the life and work of The Tramp, silent film star Charlie Chaplin, on this unique excursion to Chaplin's World to tour his family mansion and Hollywood-style studio.

Price Range: $$

Lucerne

Old Town Festive Fondue Dinner

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at a historic Old Town restaurant during this festive 3-course dinner featuring authentic cheese fondue, drinks, and lively entertainment!

Price Range: $$

Mount Pilatus

Grab your camera and prepare for indescribable panoramic views on this thrilling ascent up Mount Pilatus.

Price Range: $$

Lugano

Lake Lugano Cruise with Meal

Embark your private boat for a relaxing cruise on breathtaking Lake Lugano and learn about the local traditions and dishes in a typical Swiss restaurant.

Price Range: $$$

Bellinzona with Castelgrande Visit

Travel to Switzerland's Italianate city of Bellinzona and discover its three fairytale castles, including a visit of Castelgrande and a light lunch at a local restaurant.

Price Range: $$

Private Touring

Know Before You Go

These Know Before You Go travel tips are designed with you in mind, with helpful hints to help you prepare for and enjoy your escorted vacation. They are your guide to getting ready and contain general information on travel documentation, customs, and the country/countries you will be visiting, including budgeting, transportation, climate, languages, and much more. With Globus, you benefit from our experience.

* The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.